Due to a flood 4 years ago both rear baffle plates are rusted away and broken in several spots. I replaced the calipers, mounts, rotors, and pads back then. The hubs look fine. While I replace the pads again next week I might as well replace those baffle plates.

After I slide the rotors off, do I just need to remove the locknut and hub bearing to slide the baffle plate off the splindle?

 

Baffle plate?

Are you refering to the splash guards in back of the rotors?
Yes they rust up pretty good over time.
They are held on by a few small bolts. Remove the rotor and you'll see the bolts.

 

Yes the inside splash guards are what the service manuals label as the baffle plates.

Since there is no Wheel Bearing Assembly on the rear axle is it safe just to remount the Wheel Hub back on the splindle? If I did this on the front axle it would definitely need a realignment.

 

I don't think you need to remove the hubs or bearings to replace the baffle.
Just remove the rotor to expose the bolts that hold it in place.

 

I inspected the rear brakes yesterday and the wheel hub bearing assembly needs to removed in order to remove the baffle plates.

When I remount the wheel hub bearing assembly will I need to use a dial guage to realign the ball bearings?

 

You need to remove the hubs to get the shields/baffles off in one piece or new ones back on. I would just use an air chisel or even some tip snips and cut them off and not bother putting new ones on.

 

i havent had ones for years, no worries.

 

I just cut off the left rear baffle plate. The right one was just rusted so I left that one on. I was worried if left rear caliper I replaced would get damaged easily without that plate sheilding it. I replaced them with OEMs so they were not cheap.
I replaced those rear semi-metallic pads with Hawk HPS ceramic pads so they'll last longer this time.
After finishing the rear brakes I inspected the front ones. The front calipers and mounts are orignal. The bottom pins on both mounts were rusted shut. After using strong force to remove them I cleaned and lubricated them.